Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law June 2 prohibiting the use of these cameras. It allowed some municipalities the option to continue using these devices until contracts with camera vendors expired.
But Fort Worth officials immediately terminated the cameras within city limits, according to meeting documents. The city stopped accepting revenues from fines collected via these devices as of June 1. Refunds have been issued to drivers since then.
Fort Worth officials will work with traffic technology company Verra Mobility—formerly American Traffic Solutions—to remove cameras, radar equipment, signage and support structures from city property by Jan. 31.
The city expects to see a $3.7 million reduction in annual revenue with the loss of these cameras, said Michelle Gutt, Fort Worth director of communications and public engagement, in an email. The money was restricted for funding citywide traffic safety efforts, such as signage installation and traffic signal maintenance.
The city is now using general fund dollars to pay for these expenses, Gutt said in her email.
Camera providers and the state will also see financial losses. Previously, the state had used its share to fund designated trauma facilities and regional emergency medical services, according to the Texas transportation code.
One analysis projects the state would lose more than $20 million in funding for its designated trauma facility and EMS account in fiscal year 2020-21.
